The Governing Board believes that all students have the right to be educated in a positive learning environment free from disruptions. On school grounds and at school activities, students shall be expected to exhibit appropriate conduct that does not infringe upon the rights of others or interfere with the school program.

Behavior is considered appropriate when students are diligent in study, careful with school property, courteous, and respectful towards their teachers, other staff, students and volunteers.

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the standards of conduct and discipline at each school site are consistent with district policies and administrative regulations.

Students and parents/guardians shall be notified of district and school rules related to conduct and shall receive regular instruction regarding these rules. In addition, parents/guardians and students may be provided information about early warning signs of harassing/intimidating behaviors, such as bullying, as well as prevention and intervention strategies.

3. Harassment of students or staff, including bullying, intimidation, hazing, or initiation activity or any other verbal, written or physical conduct that causes or threatens to cause bodily harm or emotional suffering

Note: Pen-like laser pointers which aim a red dot at their target and which are intended as long-range pointers for presentations can be hazardous and disruptive to school operations. Penal Code 417.27 prohibits students from possessing laser pointers on school premises, unless the pointer is used for valid instructional or other school-related purposes, including employment. Penal Code 417.25 states that exhibiting a laser scope which projects a laser light on objects at a distance, whether or not attached to a firearm, may be a misdemeanor if intended to cause a person fear of bodily harm.

5. Possession or use of laser pointers, unless used for a valid instructional or other school-related purpose, including employment (Penal Code 417.27)

Prior to bringing a laser pointer on school premises, students shall first obtain permission from the principal or designee. The principal or designee shall determine whether the requested use of the laser pointer is for a valid instructional or other school-related purpose.

Possession of Cellular Phones and Other Personal Electronic Signaling Devices

Note: Education Code 48901.5 allows Boards to regulate the use of electronic signaling devices that operate through the transmission or receipt of radio waves, except that student use of such devices may not be prohibited if essential for a student's health. When determining how to regulate student use of such devices, Boards should consider whether the device has capability, beyond its traditional usage, that may create privacy and data-protection issues. For example, cellular phones or personal digital assistants that have the capability to take photographs may be used in a manner that invades another student's privacy or assists students in cheating on tests.

No student shall be prohibited from possessing or using an electronic signaling device that is determined by a licensed physician or surgeon to be essential for the student's health and the use of which is limited to health-related purposes. (Education Code 48901.5)

Except for prior consent for health reasons use of an electronic signaling device, including but not limited to pagers, beepers and cellular/digital telephones is prohibited; students may be granted selective usage by written staff authority.

Enforcement of Standards

Employees are expected to provide appropriate supervision to enforce standards of conduct and, if they observe or become aware of a violation of these standards, to immediately intervene or call for assistance. If an employee believes a matter has not been resolved, he/she shall refer the matter to his/her supervisor or administrator for further investigation.

Students who violate district or school rules and regulations may be subject to discipline, including but not limited to suspension, expulsion or transfer to alternative programs in accordance with Board policy and administrative regulation. In addition, when the conduct involves intimidation, harassment, or other endangerment of a student or employee, the Superintendent or designee shall provide appropriate assistance as necessary for the victim and the offender or make appropriate referrals for such assistance.